Mucus in Baby's Stool

Presence of mucus in baby's stool can be a cause of worry for parents. This article will provide you with some information about the various aspects of the condition.

It is said that changes in the color and consistency of stool may be an indication of some underlying health problem. In order to understand the abnormality of bowel movements, you must know about what normal stool looks like. As newborns, humans have black tarry stool, which is followed by yellow seedy and watery stool. As the kids grow, the stool color and consistency change and in an adult human being, the normal stool color is found as shades of brown (especially, the color of cardboard), with a consistency of peanut butter. Any change in such color and consistency has to be diagnosed, if persistent. Sometimes, you may notice mucus in baby's stool.

Causes

Now you understand that a baby's stool color and consistency can change with growth. There are many other factors that affect the nature of baby's stool. This includes the type of food ingested by the baby as well as the mother. Mucus in baby's stool is usually not considered a cause of concern. 

 

According to health experts, some amount of mucus in the stool of babies is normal. A small amount of mucus lining the intestines may get expelled with the stool. It is also said that this is mostly seen in breast-fed babies, as they use up breast milk so efficiently that most of their stool consists of mucus. But, if the condition is persistent or is accompanied with other symptoms, you must consult the pediatrician at the earliest. Let us take a look at the possible causes of this condition.

Babies with cystic fibrosis may develop mucus in stool. In those babies, mucus buildup is observed in the lungs and the intestines and this results in expulsion of some mucus through stools, which can be foul-smelling and greasy too.

If the baby's stool is green and contains mucus, it could be due to some viral infection. Teething is another cause for this condition. This is due to the increased drooling that causes ingestion of excess saliva, which irritates the intestine and results in expulsion of mucus along with stools.

Food allergy is another cause for mucus and blood in baby's stool. Even breast-fed babies may have food allergies, which could be caused by the food consumed by the mother.

One of the serious causes for this condition is intussusception, which is characterized by intestinal blockage, caused by another part of the intestine itself. In such cases, jelly like stools will be passed by the baby, who will experience intermittent pain and vomiting too. The stool will contain mucus as well as blood and this condition requires immediate treatment.

Infections of the bowel (both viral as well as bacterial) can be among the potential causes for mucus and blood in baby's stool. In some cases, mucus in stool may be due to intake of fruits like, bananas.

In short, mucus in baby's stool without other symptoms like, fever, pain and change in stool color, is not a cause of worry, if the condition is not persistent. However, it is always better to consult your pediatrician, who will be the best person to analyze the condition. If the mucus is red, contact the doctor immediately. It could be due to various reasons, some of which can be serious.

Treatment for the condition depends on the underlying cause. While in some cases, the condition may subside without any treatment, some others may require treatment as per the underlying condition. 

 

While intussusception is often treated with immediate surgery, the condition (mucus in stool) will subside on its own, if caused by teething or viral infection. So, if you detect this condition in your baby, don't panic. If the baby is having other symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. If there is blood in baby's stool, along with mucus, then also immediate medical attention is required. If the baby is otherwise healthy, then wait for a day or two and then contact the doctor, if the condition persists. The above said is only a brief overview about mucus in baby's stool. It is always better to seek the opinion of your doctor, if you have any doubts regarding the condition.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice. Visiting your doctor is the safest way to diagnose and treat any health condition.

Author,

Sonia Nair

Food Allergies in Babies

Food allergies in babies are estimated to affect 6% of the total population of children in the United States of America. It is important that we understand the foods which cause food allergies. The following write-up will help us know more on allergies in babies caused due to food. Read on ...

Often parents are told that food allergies in babies are uncommon. However, the statistics prove otherwise. 1 in 18 children suffers from food allergies. If a child does not eat a particular food, it does not always mean that the child is allergic to that food. In all probabilities the child does not like the food, hence, it refuses to eat. Let us first understand what are food allergies.

What are Food Allergies?

Food allergy is an immune response by the body to a food that the body is allergic to. Often the body makes an antibody, which tells the immune system to fight the intruder. The body therefore releases histamines. These histamines cause allergic symptoms.

Signs of Food Allergies in Babies

The time taken to display symptoms can vary from one child to another and can range from a few minutes to a few hours. Here are some of the common signs exhibited.

Hives

Eczema

Diarrhea

Itching

Constipation

Ear Infections

Swelling

Trouble in breathing

Vomiting

Collic

Runny or stuffy nose

Severe allergic reactions - It refers to reactions in the whole body, which include wheezing, swelling of the face, tongue, lips, and difficulty in breathing.

In case of severe reactions, medical help should be sought immediately. If an allergy to a certain food is hereditary, the symptoms of the allergies to that food is not apparent till the baby has eaten the food a few times, the symptoms might develop after that particular food product is consumed a few times. 

 

Indirect exposure to allergic food too can cause complications. It means that if a baby is allergic to eggs, then eggs eaten through cakes and cookies are also to be counted in the exposure, although indirect. The other indirect way is if the mother has eaten an egg, while she is still breastfeeding the child.

Common Food Allergies

Food allergies can be caused due to direct consumption of a food or through the mother's milk. 

 

Therefore, it is important that the mother keeps a watch on what she is eating and checks if the food she is consuming is causing an allergy in the baby. In such a situation, the mother should avoid the food till after she has breastfed the baby. When you introduce new food to your baby remember to keep a gap of 10 to 12 days. At the same it is always better if you introduce only one new food at a time. In case of an allergy it will be easy for you to find out, which food is causing the allergy. 

 

Generally speaking, a child can be allergic to any food, but there are some foods which are more problematic than the rest. Statistics have shown that the following common food products account for 80% of allergies in babies.

Milk, especially cow milk

Wheat

Eggs

Soy

Peanuts

Fish, especially salmon and tuna fish

Shellfish, shrimp, crab, and lobsters

Tree-nuts like walnuts, cashew, etc.

How to Prevent

It is difficult to prevent these allergies altogether, but they can be prevented if adequate care is taken. 

 

There are many opinions in regard to preventing food allergies. Some pediatricians opine that breastfeeding babies for a longer period of time protects them from potential allergy causing allergens. This advice should be followed, especially where either one of the parent suffers from allergies. You can try alternative food products if the baby is allergic to a certain food. For example, in case of allergy to milk, you can give non-allergic formula or you can try soy formulated food products.

These allergies do not pose a threat to the babies. It has been observed that most of the food allergies disappear after a few years. Then the food can be reintroduced after the child grows up.

Author,

Bhakti Satalkar

How to Make Baby Food

The following article will give you some four quick, easy, and healthy baby food ideas.

Making baby food is quite easy as you do not have to use a whole lot of ingredients. Homemade baby food usually contains only two or three ingredients which are easily available. Food for babies and toddlers should be made only with the most nutritious food items like fruits and vegetables. Fruits like bananas, avocado, apples and veggies like peas, green beans, sweet potatoes are generally encouraged by baby food nutritionists. Without wasting anymore time, let's learn how to make baby food in just a few minutes.

Baby Fruit Salad

As we all know, fruits are rich in nutrients, so for this baby food dish, we are going to make use of some of the most nutritious fruits - avocados, bananas, and pears. This recipe is for babies between 6 to 8 months of age.

Ingredients

Ripe avocados, 3

Ripe bananas, 3

Steamed pears, 3

Process

Firstly, peel, slice, and seed all the fruits. Place the sliced fruits in a clean blender or food processor and blend until desired texture is achieved, do not make it too liquidy or too thick. Remove in a small bowl and feed immediately. If your baby is above 8 months, you can add dollops of yogurt.

Rice and Fruit Squash

Butternut and acorn squash are the perfect choices when it comes to squash as they are high in calcium and various vitamins. Besides, they are smooth and delicious, so your baby is sure to love them!

Ingredients

Squash (acorn, butternut, or other winter squash), 1

Cooked brown rice, 1 cup

Applesauce ½ cup

Process

First cut the butternut or acorn squash in half; discard the seeds. Take a large pan, place the squash halves face down in it and pour water until an inch of the squash is covered. Bake for about 40 minutes at 400ºF in a preheated oven until the shell of the squash puckers and the pulp becomes soft. 

 

Scoop the pulp out of the shell, place it a food processor. Add applesauce and cooked rice to it. You can also add water if necessary and blend until smooth and thin in consistency.

Sweet Potato Soup

Sweet potatoes are a must for baby food. If you are dying to know how to make your own baby food, this simple and nutritious recipe is the answer.

Ingredients

Medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed, 3

Bay leaf, 1

Homemade chicken stock, 3 cups

Chopped celery, 1 cup

Chopped onion, ½ cup

Canola oil, 1 tbsp.

Dried basil, ½ tsp.

Process

Pour oil in a large pot and sauté onion and celery in it until tender. Add the remaining ingredients, bring to a boil over medium heat, and then reduce the heat. Let it simmer for bout 25 - 30 minutes. 

 

Discard the bay leaf, cool a little, and then blend it until smooth. Return the soup to the pan and heat through. Feed warm.

Peas Dinner

This healthy dinner is for babies above 8 months. Babies of this age need more than simple liquids. In this recipe, we will make use of nutritious chicken, sweet potatoes, and peas.

Ingredients

Small sweet potato, peeled and diced, 1

Boneless and skinless chicken breast, cubed, ½

Water or homemade chicken broth, 3 cups

Frozen peas, ½ cup

A pinch of dried sage

Process

Add the chicken breast to a large saucepan and cover with stock or water, bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 5 minutes. Add sweet potato and cook further for 3 minutes. Now add the peas, cook for 2 more minutes. Cool for a bit. Transfer the mixture to a food processor, add sage, and blend until smooth.

Now that you have these simple recipes at hand, you can stop worrying about what to feed your little angel.

Author,

Girija Shinde

Making Baby Food

Are you wondering how to make baby food at home? Well, it is quite easy. Read on for some easy homemade baby food recipes.
 

While making baby food, several important things need to be kept in mind, out of which the most important is the age of the baby. Babies should not be fed any solid food until they are 6 months old. 

 

In fact, till then they should be fed only mother's milk. Secondly, you should avoid a few things, most importantly spices. Not even a pinch of spice should be added to baby food, even salt should be minimal. Only food that is easy to digest and nutritious should be opted for.

Rice Pudding

Ingredients

1 cup cooked rice

1 cup warmed milk

1 tbsp. granulated sugar

2-3 drops vanilla extract

Process

Take a medium-sized bowl, add all the ingredients in it. Mix well and cook for 10 minutes on low heat. Let cool slightly and then feed. Do not forget to check the temperature before serving. This recipe is for 6 - 9 month old babies.

Vegetable Purée

Ingredients

250 g butternut squash or pumpkin, peeled

250 g potatoes

250 g sweet potatoes

250 g carrots

Process

Cut the veggies in small pieces, set aside. Put a steamer set over boiling water, place the veggies into it, and cook for about 15-20 minutes. If you do not have a steamer set, place the veggies in a pan and pour boiling water over them, cover and simmer for about 15 minutes. When done, purée the vegetable using the liquid of the veggies that remains in the pan. Feed lukewarm. To store, pour into ice cube tray and freeze until needed.

Rice with Chicken

Ingredients

1 peach, peeled and diced

½ cup diced, cooked boneless skinless chicken

¼ cup cooked brown rice

2 tbsp. milk

Process

Put all the ingredients in a food processor and purée until you get the desired texture and consistency. 

 

Isn't making your own baby food easy? This recipe is especially for babies who are 6-8 months old. 

 

The baby is sure to like the yummy chicken and rice taste!

Vegetables with Cheese

Ingredients

1 medium carrot (approx 125 g), peeled and sliced

300 g potatoes, peeled and chopped

75 g broccoli florets

40 g cheddar cheese, grated

15 g unsalted butter

4 tbsp. baby's usual milk

Process

Take a large saucepan and add carrots and potatoes to it, add boiling water and cook for about 20 minutes until tender. While the carrots and potatoes are cooking, steam broccoli in another saucepan for about 7 minutes. After the broccoli is tender, add it to the potatoes mixture after about 12 minutes. 

 

Drain and mash the veggies, add butter, cheese, and milk. This is a recipe for babies who are 9 - 12 months old.

Potato Soup
Ingredients

3 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 lb), peeled and cubed

1 bay leaf

1 cup celery, chopped

½ cup onion, chopped

1 tbsp. canola oil

½ tsp. dried basil

Homemade chicken stock

Process

Take a large pot, add oil to it and sauté onion and celery in it. Add all the other remaining ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Simmer for 25 - 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender and then lower the heat. Remove the bay leaf and cool. Purée in a food processor in batches. 

 

Again heat the soup, cool, and then serve. This is a recipe for 9 - 12 months old babies.

There are also many books on cooking baby food which can provide you with proper guidance. Make baby food at home and get rid of the tension of whether the food you are serving is fresh and healthy.

Author,

Girija Shinde

Iron-rich Foods for Babies

Iron-rich foods form an important part of the daily diet, and are essential for the proper growth and development of babies. The following article will provide more information with respect to the fulfillment of iron requirement in infants.

Newborn babies have a fixed reserve of iron, which lasts for about six months. Once the iron levels in the body get depleted, it becomes absolutely necessary to include iron-rich foods in their diet.

Why is Iron-rich Foods Important for Babies?

Iron is very important for the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells, which are responsible for oxygen transport to all the tissues of the body. If there is deficiency of iron in the body, it will lead to anemia, making the baby lethargic, pale and weak. Iron deficiency anemia is commonly observed in babies belonging to the age group of 9-24 months. It may even lead to a delay in talking, walking, and development of behavioral skills.

Iron-rich Foods

The amount of iron required by babies and toddlers has been given below.

Age Amount of Iron

0 to 3 months 1.7 mg

4 to 6 months 4.3 mg

7 to 12 months 7.8 mg

1 to 3 years 6.9 mg

Babies get the required dose of iron through breast milk for the first 6 months. Then, they need to be given infant formulas to fulfill their iron requirements. These baby formulas are enriched with iron, and also contain vitamin C, that helps in the absorption of iron.

In addition, you can include baby cereals and mashed vegetables as the first foods for your baby. 

 

When your baby starts eating these soft foods comfortably, you can gradually introduce meat or fish to the mashed vegetables and rice cereal. The meat should be cooked to a very soft consistency, and should not contain any bones. You can try including minced meat, as it will be easier for the baby to digest. Broccoli, watercress, sprouts, and cabbage may also be included. A baby can also be given dried apricots, figs, and raisins. Do not give your baby cow's milk till he/she is 1-year old. Cow's milk contains very little iron, and also hampers the absorption of iron from other foods.

Iron-rich Foods for Toddlers

The following is a list of iron-rich foods for toddlers, and should be eaten consumed at least once in a day.

Beans and lentils

Blackstrap molasses

Cornmeal

Dried fruits such as raisins, prunes, dates, and apricots

Swiss chard

Asparagus

Parsley

Watercress

Brussels sprout

Egg yolk

Flax seeds

Fruits like red bananas, strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries

Fish such as tuna, salmon, sardines, mackerel, trout, and kippers

Meat like chicken, pork, turkey, and beef

Kale

Broccoli

Collard

Spinach

Wheat germ

Nutritious food is very important for the overall growth and development of your baby. You can speak to the appropriate doctor, and plan a balanced diet for your baby.

 

Author,

 

Batul Nafisa Baxamusa

 

Building Healthy Eating Habits in Children

As parents we often forget to inform children of the necessary nutrition that must be consumed on a daily basis. Instead we coax them more to depend upon junk food while parents are busy in their occupation.

Making health a top necessity in your family takes discipline, time and maintenance. To attempt something new and to introduce a system in your family takes a lot of patience. There may be tantrums or whining from your youngsters yet don't move an inch in the event that you are dead set to enhance your family's health!

Need for Healthy Eating Regimen at Home

You might have seen the uncontrollable rise in obese adults today due to the lifestyle they follow and the kind of diet they follow! But did you realize that weight in youngsters is additionally on the ascent? This is an issue that needs to be taken into consideration in the event that you have youngsters in your family unit. In this manner assuming that you know your family spends a lot of money in buying junk food or large measure of potato chips, bread sticks and other kinds of junk food it may be time to make a change that will affect you, your life partner and your family as well.

In the event that you ingrain the imperativeness of healthy eating habits your youngsters will grow up with a higher regard towards healthy living. Basically controlling what your kids consume and drink in their childhood is liable to proceed as they get to be teenagers and mature people. Unhealthy habits in children when they're young will stay with them as they develop. The concern is when they begin having health problems at a very young age the most popular being obesity and high blood pressure.

Things to Do

Contingent upon the age group of the children at home and their current eating habits, getting them to consume the right food in a healthy way might possibly be troublesome to initiate. You may even need to demonstrate to them pictures/videos about the outcomes of heavy weight and what can happen further down the road assuming that they are not health cognizant. This is an important way to influence their habits during childhood to get them to make a change. You know your family the best so you may need to get somewhat imaginative for this to work for everybody.

One fun approach to begin creating healthy eating habits at home is to make it a family schedule of the kind of food you might be cooking. Also taking you kids out during the weekends for eating delicious meals will not instigate them to spend money on eating junk food from any other source. 

Spoiling them once in a while can prevent kids from becoming spoiled. You should however make sure that your children are actively participating in sports activities or anything recreational to burn the calories. Set a transient objective, for example, no unhealthy nourishment decisions for a month. 

If everybody in your family remains faithful to it then treat them on a Sunday with an excursion or a motion picture night with popcorn and soft drinks. You can even utilize stickers or stamps (particularly for adolescent youngsters) to follow up on the healthy living habits.

Author,

Rajit

Baby Acne – Causes and Treatments

Baby acne is a very common condition among newborn babies. Baby acne can be present at the time of birth or may usually develop within 2 to 4 weeks after birth. Baby acne is a result of the hormonal changes in the body as these changes stimulate the oil glands in the baby's skin.

Baby acne, as with all medical conditions, has some common symptoms. Usually the acne first appears to be a rash with small pimples that are red in appearance. Sometimes, whiteheads can actually be seen. The pimples will tend to show up more when the baby is upset or overheated and at times they may even seem as though they are not there at all. Baby cane will clear up with time and are not something that young mothers should be overly concerned about.

Baby acne is primarily caused by fetal hormones, such as adrenal androgens, that are passed through the placenta prior to birth. Drugs, taken by the nursing mum or by the baby, can also trigger baby acne. The most common ones include: Steroids (oral or topical), anti-depressant medicines and occasionally oral contraceptives.

What causes baby acne?

There are several factors that can cause acne on the skin of the baby.

* As with adolescent acne, the condition can be caused by a skin irritation

* Medicines can causes baby acne as well

* It's possible that mineral oil or petroleum can cause baby acne.

Bad Nutrition

Since your baby cannot pick up bad eating habits at this early age, infantile acne due to bad nutrition is very rare. Bad nutrition can be the cause of infantile acne if parents are not attentive toward their babies' diet.

Does Baby Acne Hurt? More often than not, you will be more affected by your baby's acne than she is. Baby acne does not itch, sting, or hurt in any way. And she is too young to notice her unsightly appearance. So it is more likely that baby acne will bother you, than your baby. However, with severe cases of baby acne, the blemishes may become so swollen and inflamed that they cause or add to your baby's fussiness. See your health care provider if you think your baby's acne is causing her aggravation.

Treatment:

Baby acne usually goes away by itself. It is sufficient in most cases to do some gentle facial cleansing once or at most twice a day using a mild baby cleanser and clean water. Do not scrub baby's face, this will not help and may be counterproductive. Don't apply lotions or potions or oils. Don't look for fancy baby acne remedies, don't try applying vinegar solution for baby acne as some do Unless baby's acne is being caused by an underlying condition, there is really no need to treat it. It doesn't harm your baby and is purely a cosmetic issue. Gently wash your baby's face with plain water once or twice per day, and don't scrub. Cleansing that is too frequent or too vigorous will irritate your baby's skin.

Prevention

· Child should not sleep on dirty pillows.

· Drink fresh fruits juices and large amount of water.

· Do not squeeze, dig, touch or pick the acne.

· Use paper towels to pat the affected area dry and throw it away.

Author,

Peterhutch

Breastfeeding Tips - Is Your Baby Getting Enough Breastmilk?

You are aware of the health benefits of breastfeeding and you want to provide the best possible infant nutrition that you can...your own breastmilk.  Yet somehow you don't know if you are producing enough breastmilk.  How much is enough?

It is difficult to convince yourself, your mother, or even your husband that your baby is getting enough breastmilk when you are not filling up the container yourself and measuring how much the baby has taken.  But breastfeeding is not just a different type of milk in a different type of container. 

 

 There is physiology associated with breastfeeding and you should know how it works.

Breastfeeding works on supply and demand. The more often you feed your baby and the more breastmilk  the baby takes away, the more milk you will produce.  But it doesn't happen overnight.   It can take several months for this process to regulate itself.  Apparently this is too long for some and a lot of mothers give up before their baby's 3rd month of life is completed.

Just because nursing is natural does not mean it comes naturally to every woman.  Many things can happen that interfere with the normal and natural breastfeeding process. One of the main ways that this process is interfered with is by separation of baby and mother in the first days following birth.

Baby should be put to the breast within the first 30 minutes of life and fed at least 8 times per day.  

 

This time of early and frequent nursing will not only establish a good milk supply but provide frequent opportunities for the baby to perfect his latching technique.

The advantages of breastfeeding in this early period are many including supplying the baby with the rich immuno-protective properties of colostrum which is the precursor to breastmilk. Hormones released during suckling cause uterine contractions and promote normal involution of the uterus to its pre-pregnant state.

Signs your baby is not getting enough breastmilk:

lack of weight gain.  Baby should be back to birth weight by three weeks.

infrequent wet diapers.  Baby should have 6-8 wet diapers per day.

fatigue - if baby is not getting enough breastmilk  he may be fatigued and lack the energy to suck vigourouly enough to empty the breast completely.  He may even fall asleep before he has had enough to eat.

your breasts do not get firm before the next feeding is due

Do not confuse sleepiness and lack of crying with "contentedness".   Sometimes babies who are underfed do not cry often or hard because they lack energy.  In fact your underfed baby may be quite placid and sleepy.  He needs more breastmilk to give him the energy to cry and fuss when he wants more to eat.

If breastfeeding did not get off to a good start for you and your baby it is possible that your baby is not getting enough breastmilk.  If you want to continue to provide your baby with all the advantages of breastfeeding here are some breastfeeding tips to help you build up your milk supply and get your baby gaining on the good stuff!.

Breastfeeding tips:

breastfeed your baby at least 8 times per day in the first few weeks.  If the baby is sleepy then wake him up. Bath time is a good wake up for most babies!

express or pump milk between feedings. Save this milk.

get plenty of rest (between feedings and pumping!)

make sure your baby is latched on properly.  His mouth should be almost completely covering the dark red area around the nipple.  If your baby is not latched properly you may have sore nipples and it is more work for the baby to remove the milk from the breast.

let your baby nurse until he naturally lets go of the nipple.  Babies who have "had enough" will naturally slide off the nipple if a little pressure is exerted.

use both breasts at every feeding and pump both breasts completely dry after the baby has finished feeding.

If your baby is not back to birth weight by three weeks of age you should offer supplemental feedings in a bottle using your own expressed breastmilk but only after the baby has fed from both breasts.  If you do not want to confuse your baby with an artificial nipple you can offer the extra breastmilk with a spoon or a dropper.

Within three days of this regimen you should notice that your breasts are producing more milk.  You will know this because your breasts will feel firmer and may even ache when it is time to feed the baby.

If your baby is getting enough breastmilk to satisfy his needs he will eventually start gaining and becoming more alert ...and he may even start to cry more often!

But do not be fooled into thinking that everything will now proceed in a consistent way.  Breastfed babies often will go through growth spurts and nurse more frequently for a few days until the milk supply is increased to meet their needs.

It is a wonderful system of supply and demand!  Your breasts can supply the milk your baby needs as long as you understand the breasfeeding system and nurse your baby on demand you will always have an endless supply of  breastmilk when your baby needs it and it will always be at the right temperature and in a sterile container too!

Author,

Beverly OMalley

Benefits and Risks of Infant Massage

Many adults have been on the receiving end of a massage. How great does it feel when your tired and achy body gets to relax? Adults go for massages not only for physical but also emotional and mental relaxation. After being in work or running after kids all day, most adults deserve a good massage.

What about infants, though? Do they really need a massage? What do they really need to relax from, aren't their lives relaxing enough? While an infant massage may be relaxing it is also a great bonding experience between mothers and babies or fathers and babies.

1. What Is Infant Massage?

Infant massage has been becoming very popular not only among celebrities but with the "average Joe's" as well. Even though it's popularity has been rising in the United States of America over the past thirty years, infant massage is in no way new to other countries. As we find new information about this infant relaxation technique, we find that mother's have been massaging babies for hundreds of years.

Infant massage is exactly what it sounds like... a massage for an infant. While parents alone can attend to the baby during the massage, there are also certified infant massage therapists. Babies are usually massaged in a diaper, alone. This allows for more skin to skin contact, which studies show to be beneficial for the baby.

Babies need to be in a very relaxed mood and for optimal results should not be cranky, overtired, hungry, or irritable. Mothers, fathers, or whomever is attending to the baby should use a baby friendly oil such as baby oil. After rubbing a small amount in between the palms, the adult then starts from the head and sweeps downward towards the face and neck. This happens in a cupping motion. The adult uses gentle touches and massage techniques massaging downward towards the arms, tummy, legs, and feet.

Many times if the child has issues the adult with show special attention to that body part. If the baby is colic, for instance, the adult may take care of the tummy more so than any other body part. Using two fingers, the adult will use a circular motion on the stomach. This allows for gas bubbles to decrease. The adult may also bend the knees up towards the belly allowing excess air to release.

The massage techniques may include Indian milking methods, Chinese pediatric strokes, and Swedish massage methods.

2. Who are the Best candidates for Infant Massage?

The best candidates for an infant massage, for obvious reasons, would be babies. As with any kind of natural therapy or healing technique, one must take care as to who actually goes for an infant massage. Infants should be in the best health possible.

The infant's pediatrician should be consulted about the massage. At this time benefits can be discussed as well as potential risks involved. Although, the infant may have a health issue he or she may still be able to partake in an infant massage. As we see with the benefits, an infant massage has to potential to help alleviate some infant health symptoms.

3. What are the Benefits?

Studies have shown that human touch can help a child grow and develop at a faster and healthier rate. 

Many doctors now persuade mothers, fathers, and caregivers to participate in Kangaroo Care when a baby is born prematurely. Even when the baby is born at a normal delivery date, many parents still take part in Kangaroo Care which is skin-to-skin contact.

Infant massage, like Kangaroo Care, involves skin-to-skin contact and human touch. Benefits of infant massage include:

* Baby feels more at ease and more relaxed

* Decrease in gas and relief of colic

* Studies show an increase in weight gain

* Studies show that the immune system of a baby improves

* Communication increases between caregiver and baby

* There is evidence of improved brain growth

* Improves baby's sleep patterns

Evidence shows that the benefits are not only for the babies but for the caregivers as well. Infant massage is shown to improve the bonding experience as well as relieve stress for parents. This is especially true for mothers who have been diagnosed with post-partum depression.

4. What are the Risks?

While no risks have been shown regarding infant massage if done properly, there has also been little study done about the risks possibly involved. The only risk really shown at this point is the fear that the infant massage will result in overstimulation of the infant. Benefits are shown to hold the upper hand, though when evaluating the risks.

Whoever is attending to the baby during the massage must take care not to massage too hard or vigorously as this can harm the baby. If the mother, father, or caregiver does not feel comfortable with the infant massage then he or she can have a licensed infant massage therapist to tend to the baby. Another option is for the parents and caregivers to take classes or lessons which can help them learn the infant massage techniques.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate health care provider.

Author,

Yodle

Mother's Issue for Baby Rash

Mom and dad get very worried when they notice baby rash. Not every rashes seen really are a serious issue. Try to learn how to distinguish if your allergy requirements important health advice or not. 

Usually if your rash on infant skin receives pale when pushed, your son or daughter might have erythematous rash. This is not a significant problem, but it's great to get medical health advice concerning begin providing your youngster the right remedy.

When when you media the allergy doesn't change light but continues to be reddish, then perhaps your child is actually afflicted with petechial or perhaps purpuric allergy. This kind of rash wants important health advice due to the fact there may be a fundamental severe medical problem which would require urgent hospital treatment. You should find medical advice particularly child provides a fever.

Nappy break outs impacts almost every infant. Your son or daughter's pores and skin gets red-colored and inflamed as well as often it even starts to level. If the condition is much more severe, pimples and also blisters may also be observed around the affected area. This disorder generally takes place when the nappy just isn't changed regularly particularly when the actual nappy will be moist and ruined. It's always best to utilize natural cotton wool damped inside hot water concerning clear your son or daughter. Do not utilize baby wipes particularly alcohol wipes or perhaps perfumed wipes. Infants could be highly responsive to these kind of goods. Occasionally they're even sensitive to particular nappy brands. Attempt to relieve this problem simply by washing infant bottom part having an medicinal wash. Attempt and also to change the diaper often and to pat dried out water from your baby's epidermis.

Author,

Charles

Baby Bath for newborn, I Can't Be Bothered, does it matter to bath a baby?

When a baby is born for the first few weeks baby sleeps.It lies down for most of the time on sheets in the pram or a moses basket. The coton fibres come off get stuck in the hair and in arm pits from wearing vest and clothes etc. It is important to bath a baby because otherwise the cotton strands etc would cause irritation to a newborn babys delicate skin and eventually if not washed away will turn red and become very sore.The fact about bathing a baby is not just to keep baby clean but its a quality time you and your partner can bond with baby.

It helps baby relax and settle off to sleep although until a baby realizes umm this is really good they may scream until they get used to it. Then they will cry again just because you took them out of the bath. Baby's are so funny..

Many dads come up with all sorts of excuses why they can't bath baby. "My hands are too cold". Or "my hands are full of oil" or "I just have to nip to the pub to meet my friends".

Really, they just lack either confidence in holding a slippery newborn, or are scared they will drop the baby.

Here are the simple rules to follow when bathing baby for any new mum or dad. PS. Dads don't tell the wife or your partner, read this information and put it into practice. You won't need to go to parenting school for bathing babies or asking a midwife how it's done.

It's all here to how to do it the easy way plus it's free and very simple to follow.

You CAN do it, you will feel over the moon and overjoyed in pleasing the other half.

YOU WILL BE BOUND OVER WITH SELF CONFIDENCE AND SELF ESTEEM YOU WILL SOON BE ABLE TO SHOW OTHER DADS HOW TO DO IT. WHAT A PROUD DAD YOU ARE FOR HAVING A GO WELL DONE.

1.        A good time to bath baby is in the evening before baby is due for an evening feed. The last thing you need is to give baby a feed then bath the baby ending up with baby sick every where and baby going hungry.

2.        Prepare a warm, draught free room in which you will bath baby.

3.        get together everything baby needs in clothes i.e. a baby bathed in the evening may wear a sleep suit, a vest, a cotton hat, a cardigan, socks, and a nappy.

Prepare the baby box with every thing you need to wash baby. This method uses baby soap and shampoo. Cotton wool balls and baby sponge and a warm hooded bath towel. You may need a small bowl of warm water to use on baby's face.

4.        You may also need a changing mat if you do not want to change baby on your knee. A laundry bucket for babies washing and a couple of nappy sacs for rubbish and soiled nappy.

5.        Prepare the baby bath using a stand if needed and by adding cold water first and use a jug to add the hot water being careful around toddlers... test with a baby bath thermometer or with your elbow so it is warm enogh but not too hot to bath your baby in.Using your elbow is the most sensitive part to react to cold or hot water temperatures.its a good way to take the top of the shampoo at this stage so you don't get fumbled.

6.        Do not let the water go too cold whilst you are getting baby ready.

7.        Undress baby down to the nappy, wrap securely with a towel so baby does not get cold. And starting with the face use cotton wool and water with nothing added (No bubble baths or soap) or from the bowl or bath water. Wiping from the inside out clean each side of the face with one cotton wool ball. Eye infections can occur if you wipe from the outside inwards. Throw away in nappy sac and dry with a clean one in the same way inside to outside of baby's face.

8.        Holding baby wrapped in towel under one arm and holding baby close to your side hip. Leaning over the bath gently wet hair and apply a small amount of shampoo, rub over hair very gently with your other hand. Keep supporting baby with your other hand, arm and hip. Wash baby's head by pouring water over the head very carefully as to not get it into baby's eyes. You can use your hand you do not need a jug for this stage.

9.        Rinse off very well, (as cradle cap can form in the form of crust like scabs on baby's head due to a build up of excess shampoo).

10.     Move towel up or put the hood over to dry baby's hair by gently patting/rubbing dry.

11.     Remove baby's nappy and clean nappy area with baby's usual wipes or cotton wool balls and water.

12.     Place baby in bath and holding baby as if you were putting your arm around him/her and supporting the legs as well with one hand the other hand is free to wash baby using your other hand wash over with soap and rinse off. Turn baby over and repeat for baby's back .Dry off your baby in towel being careful to dry in all the little ceases

13.     .Apply Nappy, Dress fully and cuddle baby before giving back to mum or dad ready for evening feed.

14.     NOW FOR THE WORST PART Don't forget to help tidy away the bath, nappy and soiled clothes.

 For parents using baby bath products when you are up to washing baby's hair, wet hair a little apply baby bath products instead of shampoo to the hair, rinse of with the bath water. Apply a little more to the baby bath then swirl around in water to make bubbles, wash baby in the baby bath there is no need to rinse baby off with clean water. Dry baby in the normal way.

Some mums may wish to apply a little baby oil on baby's skin after drying baby, but do not use on baby's face.

So enjoy bath time even if it is the hassle of tidying everything away afterwards seems too muich trouble,especially when you are tired babies really are worth it.

Author,

Sheila Sudlow Of Cheeky Chums

How to Handle Your Newborn Baby

Baby is a precious creation- you must handle him/her with utmost care. Your baby lacks muscle control, so you have to take extra precautions while holding, bathing, feeding, and dressing the baby. Lift the baby slowly and don’t rush when you carry her/him. Newborns are completely dependent on you.

If this is your first baby and have never handled any baby before, baby’s fragility may be overwhelming for you. For many parents, just holding the tiny baby is nerve-wracking.  Below are few guidelines to follow and within a couple of days, you can become an expert.

Holding the baby carefully-For a new parent, who has no experience with infants, simply picking up and holding the little one is scary. Take suggestion from older member in the family and friends. Your baby’s head is big and heavy compared to other parts of the baby. Therefore, it is very important to support your baby’s head and neck when you carry the baby up and lay down. A good way to pick the baby up and put him/her down is with your whole arm, which supports spine, neck and head at the same time. When you are going to wake up your baby, don’t shake him/her, just tickle in the feet and the baby will be up. Some parents like to wrap their baby’s legs and hands in a blanket until they are used to it

 Feeding the baby- Feeding the newborn is something that every new parent worries about at first. At this period, babies drink either breast milk or formula. If the mother is breastfeeding, then feeding will most likely occur in every few hours and if the baby is bottle fed, then the gap between feedings may go up to two to three hours. Don’t forget to burp the baby after each feeding.

Diapering the baby-Everybody knows how to change a diaper, but when you have to do it yourself, it may get messy. You may feel awkward in first few times, but slowly with little practice, you will handle the newborn with ease. While changing diapers, use a waist-high table with safety straps. Lay the baby on the diaper, fold the front half of the diaper over the baby and tighten it with attached tapes. Check the diaper in 5 to 10 minutes to see whether it is wet or not.  Do not allow the baby to be in wet diaper for a longer period, which may lead to skin infection.

Dressing the baby-Excited parents spend enough money to buy good clothes for their newborn baby. Whichever clothing you prefer, look for garments that are easy for you to put on and takeoff the baby like large necklines are easy to slip baby’s head. While dressing, support your baby’s head in one hand until he/she is 3 months old.

Bathing your baby- Bath time can be enjoyable if you know how to handle the baby while bathing. Until 10 to 15 days after birth, the baby is generally given a sponge bath and after that a daily bath. While bathing in tub, make sure to hold the baby in one hand tightly, otherwise the baby may slip. Right after the bath, wrap your baby in a towel and cover the head.

Make yourself sure to fasten the car seat or stroller every time when you are going out. Avoid bouncy or rough roads as this may upset your baby’s stomach.

It is better to ask for your family and friends to get through this time, which can be disturbing. Nurses can also show you how to hold, bath, change, and burp your baby. Though you may feel worried about handling a baby, within 2 to 3 months, you will get used to a daily routine and turn into a professional parent.

Author,

John Rope

What You Need To Know About Newborn Baby Acne

My baby's beautiful face has acne or some kind of rash all over his face. A newborn with acne? What is going on? There are many forms of baby acne and you should be aware of the different conditions. 

Your new born is breaking out with these red bumps and I know it can be frustrating to you. There are many forms baby acne you should be aware of are:

Neonatorum is a baby acne condition that affects about 20% of newborns. This acne stems from a mom's maternal hormones that are carried in the bloodstream of a newborn and a baby can have these breakouts right after delivery or within 3 weeks of age. 

Some different kinds of acne that you baby may experience and called Pustules(also can be know as whiteheads) and Papules. Pustules are small bumps in the skin with pus. And Papules are small red bumps the will rise on top of the skin. These two different forms of acne can show up around the face, on the cheeks and sometimes on the scalp. This kind of acne should disappear within 4 months. 

Newborn acne can sometimes get confused with these two conditions called Milia and Infantile Acne. 

Milia will present itself during the first week of life. And this kind of acne is usually associated by the warming of a baby who is placed in a incubator. A fever can also be presented as well. And then you have Infantile Acne. This type of acne can develop at the age of three months or even later on. 

And this condition can be more severe. This type will disappear after a baby is one years old. A baby can also have this Infantile Acne way up to 3 years old. And if this happens, this is usually due to family genetic. A strong family history of this genetic.

Seborrhea is another skin condition and you should watch for these kind of symptoms. You will start to notice very very small bumps and yellow crusty flakes or scales on hair bearing areas such as the scalp, the eyebrows or the eyelashes. This condition can sometimes affect the neck and shoulders too. 

This condition is sometime compared to eczema. This should go away on its own. Give your baby's doctor a call if you feel your baby is experiencing this.

Infant Eczema is a very common condition. Red bumps and patches are in various locations.This will commonly present itself on a baby's face and cheeks. Some babies will experience this rash all over their bodies as they get older unfortunately. And for some as a baby gets older, he or she will outgrow this. This type can be treated with many topical creams by prescription or you may be able to use some over the counter medications. You should consult with your baby's doctor on this.

In order to help keep this under control you should keep your baby's face clean with water at least two to three twice's a day. You can use a very mild soap or a non soap cleanser. Do not use any oils. 

And do not wash your infant's bibs, towels, or clothes with harsh detergents. Keep the neck area very clean. Make sure your baby is not allergic to anything. You should really keep a eye on this. For infants over 3 months that continue to break out, you can try a mild lotion with no more than 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. Never scrub a baby's skin. And be careful not to over heat your little one with layers and layers of clothing or in hot areas. Keep the skin moisturized with oil free lotions and unscented. Remember gentle cleansers and no oily products.

Parents, if you are concerned about taking pictures, don't be. You can still take pictures of your precious little one. And if needed, a professional photographer does touch-ups. This newborn acne is just a temporary setback and your infant will not remain with this acne forever. Go ahead and take those gorgeous pictures.

Author,

Carmen VJ

Newborn Baby Q&A

13 month frail not wanting to munch through...he usually LOVES to devour...?
he's 13 months old and teething (we figure with how he's acting he's working on some molars now). He usually LOVES to chomp through but took a few bites of food for breakfast then refused to eat anything else...a short time ago now I tried to give him lunch and again, he...

13 month matured constipated!! What can I afford him?
Normally he has 3 cups of milk and 1 cup of juice in a hours of daylight along with his solid foods. I generally have a cup of sea around throughout the day so he can drink some if he wants to but he doesn't drink much of that. Anyway, I just changed...

13 month older doesn't even speak mama?
i think that you do not have to worry too much .hold a friend ,her baby was like 19 months and she be just say ga-ga ,ba-ba ans little things like that after she turn too she start cliché thinks like ma-ma ,ta-ta and it was not graceful for them ,but ... my friends little one...

13 month prehistoric gag herself? Why is she doing this?
It really freaks my husband out when she does this. She will stuff her fingers down her throat until she gags. She has made herself throw up a few times doing this. She will sometimes put her toys in her mouth and trade name herself gag too. (We have had to go through adjectives of...

13 wk prehistoric teething - struggling to nurture?
My dd was in a great routine - 5-6oz every 4-5hours and sleeping from 10pm latest till 6am. It's adjectives gone out the window now since she started teething. I'm taking upto 2 hours just to take a max of 4oz down and so for the last few days she's been having much smaller quantity than she's...

15 month infirm beside dhiarhea for several days! no set raison d`être? any design?
I'm seriously baffled as to why he has dhiarhea. I have tonsillitis...but I don't have the runs, so why would he? He have been drinking vitamin D milk since he turned a year old, so I doubt its a milk allergy, unless a milk allergy can appear out of nowhere (could...

15 month matured planned vaccination?
Going by the AAP recommended schedule, what shots are to be given at 15 month checkup, if any? i regard as but i am not totally sure if kind of forget exactly but it think they get MMR, hepatitis and i meditate something else but i do not remember I THINK the MMR is one. My son goes...

15 years ripened and need newborn stuff?
you can go to the apposite will or even thrift stores. and ask your friends or family to throw you a baby shower There are recurrently local churches that store baby stuff for young mothers. Call the Catholic ones first followed by Lutheran or Baptist. Many gals I know go to garage sale for...

16 month matured deferred to manage adjectives physical milestones?
Also uses left side less than right, ie when playing and bum shuffling. can now verbs to stand but with legs wide and left foot turned. sometimes crys hysterically and go stiff. cant put my finger on it but her posture just bit unusual. also has squints in both eyes that are getting checked out soon....

16 month old-fashioned have black bm should I be concerned?
i heard if its black or like blood red you should be concerned Call your Dr. ASAP. It could mean intestinal bleeding or an infection. It might be nil, but better safe than sorry. Source(s): http://www.kidsgrowth.com/resources/arti??

16 month weak getting "i" teeth contained by. Symptoms started next to a low-grade hallucination 1 week ago that last 2 days, the?
following day after the fever broke he had 2-3 mean diarrhea diapers a day, appetite has since decreased and he's be digging at his right ear. Are these normal teething symptoms? He's still generally in a pretty virtuous mood and has still...

18 lbs... Rice cereal?
I wouldn't start feeding any solids until your baby is competent to hold his own head up, sit well assisted, and can move his tongue around. (this is what I was told by my pediatrician) I regard 4 months would be fine to start cereal, even though most people on here are going to tell you to wait until 6...

18 month antediluvian and 3 month prehistoric sharing a bedroom?
I guess I'm a little worried about putting baby #2 within the nursery, because I'm afraid something off-the-wall will happen. What if her older sister tries to give her a blanket or puts something too close at hand her face, or gets her an animal cracker to "share" with her? Big girl will...

18 month wont sleep within crib?
my son is 20 mos. and he is sleeping on the bottom bunk of his bunk bed and it is a futon that turns into a double bed i have a bed rail up so he doesn't plummet out i do not see a problem with this at all he is safe and believe i judge i am...

1st birthday concept and aid beside do.?
My son will be 1 on December the 20th. Since it is so close to Christmas I am having his party on December the 6th. Any ideas for the group, games to play and things like that. It will be a cookie monster party, that might help next to some of the ideas. Also I want to do...

1yr behind the times impressively attached to his pacifier, any suggestions on how to wean him?
I don't want to just take it from him because it comforts him, but I don't want him to be so attached to it, is there a effortless way that worked for you that could help me? I always said I'd never give my babies any pacifier - I...

1yr feeble vomiting next to no other symptoms?
My 1yr old started vomiting up at about midnight and can't keep anything down. He freshly throw up again and he has no other symptoms other then he clearly acting sick he has no restlessness, chills, diarrhea etc. Only thing that happened was at 10:30pm he ate one of my enzyme pills and I checked...

2 month mature little one and poo is green?
2 month old baby boy and poo is green and he does this once a day and have been like this for 2 days now.he is on tacky and easy and renitidine as he has reflux.not sure why this is.he also has a blocked feeler and chesy cough.docs cant give him n e meds as he...

2 month matured feed conduct?
I'm watching a 2 month old. Whenever he comes he sleeps good for about 3 hours and afterwards he wants a bottle. Then after an hour has passed he wants more, but simply drinks around an 1 oz or less. And then falls back to sleep and after it's be an hour again he wakes up and wants 1...

2 MONTH OLD - won't stop crying ?
My 2 month old baby has be screaming & crying for the past days . He constantly wants to be held up right. Of what I hear he's to young to teeth. Ive be using Dr Browns (bottles). He refuses to eat and sleep. Last night he slept for a hour and be up for the rest...

2 month outmoded and dark time routine?
My daughter is 2 months old. I have started a routine at night beside her of bottle around 7:30 or 8:00, then play til 8:30, then bath, later bed. For the past 2 night she has slept from 9:00 until 7:00 am!! I be so amazed. Usually she goes to bed around 10:30 or...

2 Month outmoded is more than fussy-?
We have a new little girl who has be a big handful for my wife and I. She will not take a bottle or a pacifier. She is super sweet in the morning but by mid day she is immensely fussy and must be bounced or moved all the time, nearly always ending up within a...

2 month shots...?
My little one is getting his 2 month shots tomorrow. I'm so sad for him. Not looking forward to it. How many shots will he get? Will he win end up getting a fever ? I regard they get 4. My son is gonna get his in 2 weeks. My daughter is 22 months and she get a fever every once...

2 months and I still own PPD...I lately dont know what to do.?
I just had a baby 2 months ago...my doc said that i should be over my PPD but i am of late so sad and scared of everything...i am on meds. but I still get doomed to failure panic attacks like crazy...all i want to do is hold my infant i cant...

2 months antiquated won't munch through?
I have 2 months old son and he cries during each feed. It's been like that about a month in a minute. I tried different bottles and nipples but still doesn't work. I am pumping. He already had trush and it's gone now. Please help us he lost give or take a few 1 pound in past 2 weeks....

2 months-old sleeping 3 hours today! Is it conventional?
So he woke up at 8.30am. Fell asleep in the car when we went to drop Master 3 at Kindy (30 minutes including for a while walk in the pram). Then slept in arms at home - be crying in the cot - from 11 am to noon. (1 hour) Slept again in the motor...

2 question roughly second baby's?
First, how do these names sound? Bianca Mary Nicole(Mary is after my mother, the other 2 are just name I like) Joshua Michael John(John after my father) These are not set in stone of course...and it is way impulsive! But it's exciting! Suggestions are welcome. Second question, Did you have things surrounded by mind with the second...

2 question within one - almost breastfeeding & bottle feed breastmilk.?
Is it true that when you feed directly from the breast that the baby's saliva goes into the moms breast and then the moms body taylor make the breast milk? second; There is a risk of obesity when you feed a baby formula but is it really formula or the reality that its coming.uthor,

 

Author,

 

BabyFreeFAQ.com

 

A

Cold Sores and Newborn Babies

The herpes simplex virus usually causes skin infections and is the common cause of cold sores; the virus is carried by up to 85 per cent of the population and although it usually lies dormant when active it is very contagious and can be passed on by physical contact.

There are two different types of the herpes virus and both attack the skin and mucous membranes

HSV-1 is the most common form and usually appears as a cold sore on the mouth and lips.  HSV-2 affects the genitals. For both types, at least two thirds of infected people show no signs of the symptoms or have symptoms so mild they go unnoticed. However, both types can recur and spread even when no symptoms are present.

There is a risk that you can pass the HSV infection to your baby during pregnancy / during the birth. 

This is known as neonatal herpes and can cause your baby to be seriously ill. This is more of an issue if you have genital herpes. But if you have any symptoms of a HSV infection or cold sores for the first time when you are pregnant, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy, you should seek medical advice.

Babies are most at risk from this virus during the first six weeks of their life because of their poor immunity.  Newborns can become very sick very quickly with a high fever and seizures, and may become lethargic.  Therefore do not let family and friends kiss your baby on or near the mouth during the first few weeks of his or her life, this might sound extreme but it is safer than running the risk of your newborn baby contracting the herpes virus.

Premature Babies and Newborns with HSV require hospitalisation for intravenous antiviral medication for approximately 21 days. Even with this treatment, some newborns can suffer death or brain damage from HSV infection.

Author,

Sue Edmondson

Baby Constipation Remedies That Are Natural

Safina Fergie - Teacher & Mother

The above testimonials have been paraphrased based on their length.

While Donna is a registered nurse, sometimes it pays to have a doctor weigh in on a subject (They do get to wear the cool white coats for a reason, after all). Here is what a general practitioner (G.P. for those of us who frequent the doctor more than we would like) from the Land Down Under had to say about Donna's baby constipation remedies :

"A comprehensive look into a problem that carries very significant distress for its sufferers... This book provides a good framework for understanding the causes of constipation, and therefore the best multipronged approach for resolving it."

Dr. Brian Ambrose, General Practitioner, South Australia

Nearly everyone I spoke with concerning Donna's natural remedy for constipation had the same to say about it. About the only negative thing I received from it concerned the need to run out and get some things that the individual did not have on hand at the time.

Also, there was one parent who complained that the fiber formula found in the book actually increased her twin girls' constipation. I found this strange as no one else had reported that. I got the parent in touch with Donna, and it turns out the parent was reading the instructions wrong the whole time! Her twins now have easy bowel movements and she is both a satisfied customer and parent.

Let me summarize this with the pros and cons of "Help! I Can't Poo":

Pros:

- Completely natural remedy for constipation that can begin working within a few hours.

- A step-by-step guide that will not only relieve constipation fast, but help stop constipation from returning in your children.

- Comes with bonus features such as a guide on how to massage your baby for better bowel movements and healthy recipes for children with food intolerances.

- A one-stop place for all your questions concerning child constipation.

- These baby constipation remedies do not require a medical degree to understand!

Cons:

- May have to run to the store to pick up some items you may not have on hand.

- Make sure you pay attention to the formula amounts and measurements, especially when dealing with fiber!

The baby constipation remedies in "Help! I Can't Poo" can't help my kids any more, but once my grandkids come along it may make a good present for them. I certainly recommend it, but I leave it entirely up to you to make that decision.

If you want to know more about Donna Stark and her eBook "Help! I Can't Poo", then visit Donna's website. And once your babies are tucked in for the night and having regular bowel movements, get some sleep yourself! You'll have earned it, believe me. 

Author,

JakeCollangelo

Pure Baby Eczema Care - Gentle Natural Care For Baby Eczema

For a parent who has had to watch their baby suffer from eczema, but does not like the idea of harsh medications, pure baby eczema care is the only alternative. No parent would want for their baby to needlessly suffer from the effects of eczema, so many are seeking to find a pure baby eczema care technique or cure so that their baby may be free of this debilitating condition. In this article, some background information will be provided, so that the reader may have a better understanding of eczema. If you are one of the many parents who have a child suffering with eczema and seek options, then this article should give you some of the background that you need.

To understand how he or she can rid their baby of the effects of eczema, one must start off by understanding what eczema is and what it is not. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is not a disease that is caused by a virus or bacteria. It is a skin disorder caused by a hypersensitivity reaction of the skin causing its inflammation. In this regard, it is more likened to an allergic reaction than anything else. This disorder causes red, scaly, leather-like skin, rash and intense itching during an inflammation cycle. There is no wonder why a parent would seek a pure baby eczema care treatment for his or her baby.

Conventional medicine offers some solutions in the form of cortisone cream to be used during the inflammation cycle. There are other prescription medications that may be prescribed in more severe cases. Most parents would agree that these forms of treatment are not pure baby eczema care and should be reserved as a last resort.

For the pure baby eczema care that most parents are seeking, there are some things that may be done in the way of prevention. For instance, avoiding such irritants as pet dander, household dust, cigarette smoke and sudden temperature changes will go a long way toward preventing an inflammation cycle. Foods that should be avoided include eggs, cow's milk, soy and peanuts. Breastfeeding mothers report less occurrence of eczema; however, a nursing mother should avoid cow's milk in her own diet for best results.

One of the most common and prevalent triggers of eczema is stress, and this is no different for babies. A baby is very perceptive, feeding on the emotions of those around him or her. For pure baby eczema care, contact with water should be limited and the temperature mild. Directly after bath, a lubricating cream should be applied to baby's skin. Moisture locked inside the skin is a good preventative measure for the eczema sufferer.

Parents need not fret that they cannot give their baby a better life by lessening the effects of eczema. 

Through some easy prevention techniques and a little further research, a parent can be assured that he or she will succeed in finding the pure baby eczema care for which he or she is looking.

Author,

Audrey Lynn

Baby Skin Care Is More Than Preventing Diaper Rash

Besides diaper and heat rash, babies can develop a condition called 'cradle cap'. Baby skin dries easily and it can even sunburn because melanin production is low. Sun protection is a most for baby skin. And because of the surge in hormones at the time of birth, babies can break out in acne, although baby skin is far less oily than an adult's.

General guidelines and tips on baby skin care and protection

Start life off right by protecting your baby from ultraviolet radiation exposure. Keep infants out of direct sunlight during the first few months. If you do go outside, be sure to cover the baby's skin with certified sun protection clothing (UPF50+ sun clothing is the highest sun protection you can get), a sun hat and baby sunglasses. Turn that into a habit and teach your child the importance of doing so as he or she grows older. Sunscreen products shouldn't be applied until the baby is 6 months old, but after that, they're absolutely necessary. Take care when riding in cars and when out for a stroll.

As for baby skin care, it won't be hard to find products formulated especially for babies. Purchase these and use as directed. Adult skin care products are not recommended for babies. They're far too harsh. You may have to switch laundry detergents if you find the one you're using is irritating your baby's skin.

Always change diapers as soon as possible. Urine and feces contain bacteria and must be washed away with warm water or baby wipes, otherwise infections can develop. Make sure wipes don't contain alcohol which can dry out a baby's skin. Remember to clean in the folds and also to dry this area gently but thoroughly. Diaper rash is very uncomfortable so apply an ointment or cream formulated especially for this common baby skin problem.

Moisturizing regularly with lotions and creams formulated for infants helps retain moisture. 

Excessive bathing isn't necessary and in fact can sap a baby's skin of moisture. Never use hot water for bathing. Like adults, babies prefer warm water. If your baby has cradle cap which resembles scaly dirty-looking skin, gently scrub top of head with a soft brush. If cradle cap doesn't go away, have the baby's physician take a look. Wind and cold can also cause dry skin so protect your baby when outside. If the air in your home is dry, consider getting a humidifier to add moisture.

Because a baby's skin doesn't yet perspire properly, babies aren't efficient at controlling their body temperatures. Sometimes, heat rashes can develop. Be sure to dress babies in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that's appropriate for the temperature to avoid these rashes that resemble red patches or pinkish-red bumps.

Good habits begin early and it's never too soon to develop a proper baby skin care routine!

Remember to protect your baby skin from UV radiation, use UPF50+ certified sun protection clothing when outdoor, proper sun protection hat, and sunglasses. UV radiation can affect skin even on cloudy day.

Author,

J Edmond Souaid

Helping Baby Sleep, a Simple Plan

Do you have a baby who has trouble sleeping? Lack of sleep in babies can affect their growth, immune system and their ability to thrive, not to mention your own sanity! Helping baby sleep is possible when you know how. I have provided information below to attempt to make this a bit easier for all parents.

There may be several resons why your baby is not sleeping well. Some of the reason we hear most about are colic or abdominal discomfort, food intolerance, teething, urinary tract infection or even separation anxiety. As well as the above, other factors such as an unsuitable crib or uncomfortable or ill fitting sleepwear could be causing your baby's restlessness. Try to find out the reason your baby isn't sleeping well before seeking out some baby sleep help.

Many babies have problems sleeping, so you're not alone. Most of these problems will simply go away on their own as your baby gets older. Most children will outgrow these problems as they grow and mature. However, at times, sleeping problems could become chronic and could develop into more serious sleeping disorders. So, if your child's sleeping problems are persistent, you should immediately seek some baby sleep help from a qualified physician.

One of the first things to do is make sure sure your baby is comfortable. Establish a good.workable sleep routine, make sure baby's crib is comfortable and make sure his romm is not too hot or cold. 

These are some simple things you can do to make sure your baby feels safe and comfortable. These things will go a long way in helping baby sleep peacefully. But the most important thing you should do as far as your baby's sleeping problems are concerned is choosing the right medication.

Natural remedies are the best when it comes to treating sleeping problems in babies. Babies, needless to say, are gentle and tender. Allopathic medications, though effective, could cause a lot of side effects. Even more important though is virtually all of the chemical sleep medications are addictive. 

In fact, it is very risky to give these medications to your child. So, if you are looking for some good baby sleep help, go for homeopathic medications which are both powerful and safe.

There are numerous advantages to selecting herbal or homeopathic medications instead of chemical based medications.

Natural remedies are very safe. There are little to no chances of side effects at all. They are quite safe to use on a regular basis.

They do not act as a sedative. They bring on a feeling of drowsiness, relax your baby and help establish a natural, healthy sleep pattern.

In addition, some of the natural ingredients found in homeopathic blends are also useful for treating other infant problems such as irritability, anxiety and colic. They have a calming effect as well which will help your baby sleep soundly.

Some examples of ingrdients to watch for when purchasing sleep remedies for babies are Coffea c30, Matricaria and Passiflora Incarnata. These ingredients are completely natural and safe but also highly potent and effective for helping baby sleep. What more can you ask for? Choose wisely and look after your baby's wellbeing.

Author,

Wendy Owen

Early Signs Of Labor Signal The Baby Arrival

Your body starts giving the early signs of labor when the delivery date approaches closer. For first-time mothers, these signs may occur a few weeks before the actual time. In subsequent deliveries though, the labor signs are usually late. You must watch each and every change that your body shows and the pregnancy symptoms that you experience.

Your body starts preparing itself for childbirth; you must also be mentally prepared for the labor. Recognizing the early signs of labor helps a lot in getting ready for the delivery.

Some Important Early Labor Signs

Here are some labor signs that you must never ignore-

Engagement stage: As the delivery due date comes closer, your baby head will start dropping in the pelvic area. This is due to the softening of the uterus. This stage is called the engagement or dropping stage. You start breathing easily and the heartburn lessens. This may happen two to four weeks before your baby is born.

Pelvic pressure: This is an obvious early sign of labor when, due to the baby drop in pelvic region, you start experiencing discomfort and pain in the pelvis. The baby puts extra pressure on your bowel making you experience frequent bowel movements and you also want to pass urine more. During this time you will also notice some swelling in hands and feet as well.

Braxton Hicks Contractions: Dr. Braxton Hicks identified these contractions, which are different from actual labor contractions but are a sure-shot symptom of approaching labor. In this, the lower part of your uterus is stretched which helps the baby head settle down in the pelvic. These contractions may intensify as you approach the delivery time. This indication is often mistaken for the actual labor contractions.

 

Discharge: As the uterus softens, you will notice a white or a pinkish vaginal discharge. If the discharge is frothy or yellowish, you must tell your caregiver about it.

Shivering: You may experience shivering or trembling for no reason at all. This feeling is due to the stress hormones or the change in progesterone levels of your body.

Nesting Instinct: Another expression of labor is more to do with the emotional factor. It is known as nesting instinct. During this, you start emptying and tidying drawers and cupboards. This is the feeling of maternal instinct. Do not overdo it as you need proper rest.

Discussed above were some signs of the onset of labor, which may occur a few weeks before the actual labor begins. These early signs of labor may not be same in all women, but if experienced, they send a clear signal that labor is on its way. Apart from these early symptoms, proper labor begins when you expel the mucus plug or when your water breaks or when the actual labor contractions start. Go to your hospital or birthing center as soon as you experience these pregnancy indications.

Author,

Apurva Shree